Morris Tract Provincial Park Management Plan

Note: This document has been scanned and formatted, and therefore is slightly different from the original version. – June 2002

© 2001, Queen’s Printer for Ontario
Printed in Ontario, Canada

Additional copies of this publication are obtainable from:

The Pinery Provincial Park
R.R. #2
Grand Bend, Ontario N0M 1T0
Telephone: 519-243-2220

51201-1
(0.3k P.R., 01 11 09)
ISBN 0-7778-8486-0

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve the Morris Tract Park Management Plan as the official policy for the protection and management of this nature reserve. The plan reflects the Ministry of Natural Resources' and Ontario Parks' commitment to manage the Morris Tract for the people of Ontario as a nature reserve, protected from the impacts of human activity, now and in the future.

The plan outlines a prioritized implementation strategy and summarizes the public consultation that occurred as part of the planning process.

The plan for Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve will be used to guide the management of the park. It may be reviewed to address changing issues or conditions.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those who participated in the public consultation process.

Yours truly,

Signed by:
Adair Ireland-Smith
Managing director
Ontario Parks

Date: April 22, 2001

Statement of Environmental Values and Environmental Bill of Rights

In 1994, the Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) finalized its Statement of Environmental Values (SEV) under the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). The SEV is a document that describes how the purposes of the EBR are to be considered whenever decisions are made in the ministry that might significantly affect the environment. This includes decisions made as a result of the park management planning process. The primary purpose of the EBR is "to protect, conserve and, where reasonable, restore the integrity of the environment." From the ministry’s perspective, that broad statement of purpose translates into four objectives in its SEV:

• to ensure the long-term health of ecosystems by protecting and conserving our valuable soil, aquatic resources, forest and wildlife resources as well as their biological foundations
• to ensure the continuing availability of natural resources for the long-term benefit of the people of Ontario
• to protect natural heritage and biological features of provincial significance; and
• to protect human life, the resource base and physical property from the threats of forest fires, floods and erosion

During the development of the Morris Tract Park Management Plan, the ministry considered its SEV. The Management Plan will further the objectives of managing Ontario’s resources on an ecologically sustainable basis.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Preamble

As part of the Ontario Parks Legacy 2000 partnership, Ontario Parks and The Nature Conservancy of Canada worked together to secure significant natural areas for new Provincial Nature Reserves. The Morris Tract, on the Maitland River near Goderich, was the second property to be protected under this partnership through a significant community based effort in the area.

To achieve the goal of securing new areas, Legacy 2000 developed innovative arrangements for area protection and management. In this particular case, The Nature Conservancy retains title of the Morris Tract, while Ontario Parks regulates and protects the area as a Provincial Nature Reserve under a long-term lease agreement.

1.2 Site description

The 58 hectare property known as the Morris Tract is an important part of the lower Maitland River valley corridor which has been identified as an ecologically significant area. Former glacial spillways left moraines and limestone cliffs behind which now support assemblages of northern plant species, while bottomland floodplains contain a variety of southern plant species, some at their northernmost limit. This juxtaposition of northern and southern species makes the area unusual. Twenty-one different vegetation communities are found within the Tract providing a varied habitat that supports species rare in Ontario (such as the Green Violet and Giant Sunflower).

In addition, the site represents a portion of the largest hardwood forest in Huron County and, except for limited trail access, has remained relatively undisturbed. Birds such as the Eastern Screech-Owl, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager and Pileated Woodpecker nest here, favouring the large, undisturbed tract of mature deciduous forest.

The Morris Tract is situated on the Maitland River within ecological Site District 6-1 and inside the regional limits of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. Adjacent land uses include agriculture, rural residential, reforestation, cottaging, open space and aggregate extraction.

The Morris Tract is located off Londesboro Road (Huron County Road 31) in part of Lots 8 and 9, Concession 3, West Division Colborne Township. The site lies approximately two kilometres northwest of the hamlet of Benmiller and eight kilometres southeast of the Town of Goderich (see Figure 1). The Falls Reserve Conservation Area is situated upstream and is managed by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. Prior to securement by The Nature Conservancy, the County of Huron owned the Morris Tract.

Figure 1: Regional Setting in Morris Tract

Enlarge Figure 1: Regional Setting in Morris Tract

1.3 Property background

The Morris Tract is positioned in an area steeped with natural and cultural heritage. Remains of early Aboriginal life continue to be discovered throughout the lower Maitland River valley, especially at the Falls Reserve and in the Benmiller area. Large numbers of artifacts indicate that the area served as rich hunting and fishing grounds for the Chippewa Indians. Natives referred to the river as Menesetung, an Ojibwa name variously translated as "healing waters" or "windings". In the 1820s, the London-based Canada Company renamed the river after Sir Peregrine Maitland (1777-1854), Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada from 1818 to 1828.

Demand for land by incoming settlers raised interest from the Government of Upper Canada in land along the east shore of Lake Huron. By 1827, a treaty was signed for 890,000 hectares (2,200,000 acres) of land including all of Perth, most of Lambton and Huron and parts of Middlesex, Waterloo, Wellington and Oxford Counties. Three years earlier, John Galt had started the Canada Company consisting of a group of Scottish and English investors who provided funding to acquire large tracts of land in Upper Canada from the British Government at a nominal sum. In turn, Galt’s company opened up this land and serviced it for settlers, making a profit for himself and his investors, while providing good, inexpensive land for immigrants.

The Huron Tract was one such area owned by Galt. Over time, dissatisfaction with the Canada Company grew as promises for the development of harbours, schools and other amenities failed to be realized. By 1850, the Municipal Act was passed, enabling the formation of local government. These events contributed to the land tenure record of the Morris Tract.

Until 1945, Lot 9 of the Morris Tract was owned by the Canada Company, at which time, it was sold to Kenneth Walden. In December of that same year, Walden sold the property to Kenneth Morris. Six years later, in 1951, Morris sold the property to the County of Huron. Similarly, Lot 8 of the Morris Tract was held by the Canada Company. In 1914, it was sold to William Vanstone who in 1953, sold this small piece to the County of Huron. The County kept the Morris Tract as part of the Huron County Forest. The site remained untouched by logging activity for approximately 50 years, until January of 1995, when financial challenges brought forward the possibility of logging the site once again.

The prospect of logging prompted protest, public meetings and press coverage calling for the County to find alternative financial solutions other than harvesting the Morris Tract. From these meetings emerged the creation of the Friends of the Morris Tract, led by representatives of the Maitland Trail Association, the Huron Fringe Naturalists, the Colborne Snowmobile Club, the Huron County Medical Society, and the Menesetung Bridge Association.

Local fund-raising involving service clubs, legions, school children, business groups and individual residents generated funds reaching slightly more than $200,000. The Nature Conservancy through its own contacts with corporations, foundations and individuals provided the balance of the funds required to total the amount to just over $300,000.

In December 1996, The Nature Conservancy of Canada purchased the Morris Tract and in June of 1997, the site was unveiled as a Provincial Nature Reserve. Under a long-term lease agreement, the site is managed and regulated by Ontario Parks under the Provincial Parks Act (Ontario Regulation 257/97).

2.0 Classification

Provincial parks in Ontario fall into one of six classes: wilderness; nature reserve; historical; natural environment; waterway and recreation. The Morris Tract is classed as a Nature Reserve.

Nature Reserves are areas selected to represent the distinctive natural communities and landforms of the province. They are protected for educational purposes, as gene pools for research and for their intrinsic values. Permitted activities and management practices are directed solely toward the achievement of protection and heritage appreciation objectives as outlined in regulations and objectives of the Provincial Parks system.

The Morris Tract offers excellent representation of both upland valley rim and slope communities (maple-beech; maple-ash-hemlock; cedar) and floodplain wetlands (marsh, lowland deciduous, mixed coniferous swamp). The presence of both northern and southern plant species make the site unusual. The site’s physical composition includes steep ravines, vertical limestone cliffs, terraces, and a portion of an abandoned meander. The limestone cliffs are regionally important sections that expose ten metres of the Middle Devonian Dundee Formation. The limestone contains fossils ranging from corals, brachiopods, bryozoans to crinoids.

3.0 Goal

The goal for Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve is to preserve the integrity of the park’s environment which includes provincially significant life science features, as well as earth science resources.

Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve will be managed for the people of Ontario as a Nature Reserve, protected from the impacts of human activity. The park is governed by the Ontario Provincial Parks Act, the Ontario Provincial Parks Policy and Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992).

4.0 Objectives

The six park classes contribute in varying degrees to four Provincial Parks program objectives: protection; heritage appreciation; recreation; and tourism. As a Provincial Nature Reserve, the primary focus of the Morris Tract is to protect its significant life and earth science features and to provide opportunities for heritage appreciation. These are elaborated upon as follows.

4.1 Protection

The Nature Reserve’s protection objective is to protect provincially significant, special or representative life and earth science features.

Protection objectives are achieved through various mechanisms such as zoning, land use controls, research, monitoring and an ecosystem approach to park planning and management. The greater park ecosystem can be defined as the area of influence surrounding the Morris Tract from an ecological, social and economic point of view. It is also the area where most of the impacts affecting the park occur. Morris Tract has its own, unique greater park ecosystem, based on the specific objectives that the park has been established to protect. A number of variables including vegetation, watershed, geology, habitat, recreation, tourism and development can be used to define the greater park ecosystem. The ecosystem management approach is a co-operative and participatory one. It does not imply provincial control in local affairs or placing any restrictions on private property rights.

4.1.1 Life science

A life science inventory and evaluation was published for the Morris Tract in 1999 (Bowles et al). The inventory confirmed that the Morris Tract is a highly significant area. The Morris Tract is part of one of the largest and most intact upland woodland in the region.

Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve has 21 distinctive vegetation community types. These communities can be divided into three main sections: the tableland terraces and upland slopes area, the valley and ravine slope area and the bottomland area. The tableland and upland slopes area is dominated by a Sugar Maple forest. However, this area is restricted to a narrow strip along the northeast portion of the reserve. The valley and ravine slope areas are similar in structure and composition except for mixed deciduous and coniferous forest along shorecliff in the southwestern part of the property. The bottomland area can be best defined as areas of floodplain forest and open and shrub communities associated with the Maitland River and its shorelines.

Within the Morris Tract, 465 vascular plant species can be found, of which 73 (16 percent) are non-native species. Eleven of the species are considered to be provincially vulnerable while 26 are considered to be regionally rare. A reconnaissance study conducted in the Nature Reserve during the fall of 1998 (Larson) confirmed the presence of old-growth Eastern White Cedar forest, of a similar type to that found on the Niagara Escarpment.

The extent of the wooded land and the diversity of plants with both northern and Carolinian affinities contribute to the richness of the Morris Tract and adjacent sections of the Maitland River with many of the special features only being recently discovered. The site was previously overlooked for special attention and protection.

Within this important migration and breeding site, there have been more than 70 species of birds recorded during the breeding season in 1995. These included such birds as the Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Scarlet Tanager. In addition, the Louisiana Waterthrush was recorded in the reserve in 1998. The Louisiana Waterthrush is designated as both nationally and provincially vulnerable.

Pickerel Frogs and Queen Snakes have been recorded in the Morris Tract. The Queen Snake is designated both nationally and provincially threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and OMNR respectively. The Pickerel Frog is uncommon in southern Ontario. It is more common along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield.

4.1.2 Earth science

Quaternary geology of the Goderich area is characterized by glaciofluvial outwash deposits associated with the advance and retreat of the Huron ice lobe, preglacial Lake Warren and an interconnecting system of meltwater channels. A variety of stone and silt tills surround the area.

An earth science checksheet was completed for Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve and adjacent areas in November 1998 (Jin), which determined the area to be of high significance. Three main features were noted:

• deep ravines and river valley formed by stream downcutting associated with post-glacial rebound of lake shoreline and rejuvenation of the Maitland River
• an abandoned meander of the Maitland River, mainly in Lot 8, and just extending into Lot 9 in the Nature Reserve; and
• a 10 metre high cliff section exposing the Middle Devonian Dundee Formation, one of the most widespread limestone formations in southwestern Ontario, deposited in tropical seas about 380 million years ago

The exposed Devonian Dundee Formation is composed of limestone beds that contain common fossils including corals, brachiopods, bryozoans, and crinoids. These invertebrate animal remains preserved in the lime mud deposits are evidence that the area was covered by a shallow tropical sea. This exposure, along with other exposures heading towards Goderich, are the only areas where the formation can be traced laterally.

The earth science features in the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve are important for studying more recent geological processes of post-glacial rebound, river rejuvenation, and rapid downward land erosion. The limestone cliffs are regionally important sections recording a tropical marine episode in the geological history of southern Ontario.

4.2 Heritage appreciation

The first heritage appreciation objective is to provide opportunities for unstructured individual exploration and appreciation of life and earth science features of the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve.

Individual exploration and appreciation will be encouraged, compatible with and complimentary to protection of life and earth science features. The Maitland Trail will assist individuals in exploring and appreciating the Morris Tract.

The second heritage appreciation objective is to provide opportunities for exploration and appreciation of natural environments through education and interpretation based upon the character and significance of the Nature Reserve.

Low key, self-use interpretive and education programs may be developed, compatible with and complimentary to the protection of life and earth science features. Visitors to the site will gain an appreciation of the significance of life and earth science features and cultural resources through the use of strategically located interpretive panels and a leaflet.

5.0 Boundary

Figure 2 shows the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve’s regulated boundary. The property is bounded by an unopened municipal road allowance to the west, private land to the north and east, and the Maitland River to the south.

The regulated boundary of the Provincial Nature Reserve may be amended to include the adjacent Crown land portion of the Maitland River. Subject to the availability of funding and the willingness of the landowners to sell, certain lands identified during the park management planning process may be secured and subsequently regulated to protect significant natural features and resources.

6.0 Zoning

Lands and waters contained within Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve are zoned in accordance with the significant features and level of protection required. The Nature Reserve zoning category designated for the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve is based on the Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies. Zoning differentiates the permissible degree of development, use and management practices that may be permitted (see Figure 2).

The entire Morris Tract site is zoned as Nature Reserve due to the diversity of vegetation communities, a varied topography of upland and bottomland areas, and distinctive earth science features. Development in this zone will be limited to trails, necessary signs, strategically located interpretive panels, and temporary facilities for research and management. Public use of the Nature Reserve will be confined to designated trails, with the exception of approved research activities and sport fishing.

7.0 Resource management policies

Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve will be managed in accordance with the policies set out in the Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies. Resource management initiatives may be accomplished through partnerships and sponsorships. A resource management plan may be prepared to provide specific prescriptions for the proper stewardship and management of park resources.

7.1 Landform and water

The following landform and water management policies may be addressed in greater detail in a subsidiary resource management plan, as required.

Stream bank erosion along the Maitland River will be monitored periodically. Stream improvement projects may occur where deemed necessary through biophysical assessment of the Nature Reserve.

The rock making up the limestone cliffs along the Maitland River is extremely unstable and trees can be easily dislodged by climbing. No recreational activity will be permitted on or near the cliffs.

Fencing, barriers, gates and/or signs may be installed in areas where unauthorized access occurs.

7.2 Vegetation

The following vegetation management policies may be addressed in greater detail in a subsidiary resource management plan, as required.

No commercial harvesting of timber will be permitted. Except where there is threat to public safety, dead trees will be left standing to serve as important homes for resident cavity nesting birds and mammals. Dead tree falls and tip-ups will also be left in place to serve as important sites for mosses and fungi, germination areas for tree species requiring rotting wood as a rooting medium, and moist shelters for small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and a variety of insects.

Rare and significant species that occur within Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve will be protected to ensure their continued presence. Specific enhancement and reintroduction programs will occur as deemed necessary. All rare species may be periodically monitored to ensure their continued existence.

Figure 2: Zoning and Existing Features in Morris Tract

Enlarge Figure 2: Zoning and Existing Features in Morris Tract

Alien or non-native plant species will not be intentionally introduced into the Nature Reserve. The control of alien species and noxious weeds may occur. Native insect and disease control will only occur where there is a threat to the Nature Reserve’s natural features or adjoining private lands. Chemical control will only occur where no other means of control is feasible.

7.3 Fisheries and wildlife

The significance of sport fishing is recognized along the Maitland River and will be allowed to continue in the Nature Reserve. Sport hunting and commercial trapping will not be permitted. However, control of particular species may be required for public safety, protection of property, and perpetuation of natural values.

Reintroduction of native species may occur if it does not threaten current park features. Reintroduction must be ecologically sound and acceptable. Rare and significant wildlife species may be periodically monitored to ensure their continued existence within the Nature Reserve. Protection and recovery plans may be implemented as necessary for the perpetuation of such species.

Under the direction of a resource management plan, fisheries and wildlife management may be directed to the maintenance of an evolving natural succession, unless alternative strategies are desirable.

8.0 Operation policies

8.1 Recreation management

Ontario Parks' policies establish acceptable recreation activities and facilities in Provincial Nature Reserves. Presently, a number of existing recreational uses within the Morris Tract are not permitted. These include horseback riding, mountain biking, sport hunting, camping and off-road vehicles. A portion of the Colborne Snowmobile Club’s trail system passes through the Morris Tract. Snowmobiling is considered an existing, non-conforming activity. While the club supported the designation of a Provincial Nature Reserve, future discussions are required on the management and/or eventual phasing out of snowmobile use.

Hiking on designated trails will be permitted. Trail placement will follow current Maitland Trail routes. Trail design may be further modified to assist in managing visitor use/behaviour and protection of park values. Other appropriate low intensity recreational activities include nature appreciation, photography, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, and sport fishing. Campfires will not be permitted in the Nature Reserve.

The Morris Tract is listed in Huron County tourism brochures (i.e. fishing and hiking maps) and implications for the level of use and promotion of the site may require future consideration.

8.2 Natural heritage education

Services for visitors to the Morris Tract, including community and school groups, will be oriented towards self-use. Information relating to the establishment of the Nature Reserve, park management and ownership will include the following:

• information on the Nature Reserve, natural features, facilities and management
• promotion of respect for the park environment
• a description of the role of The Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario Parks Legacy 2000 program; and
• provision of a means for visitors and stakeholders to communicate with Ontario Parks regarding park management

Interpretation of significant natural heritage features or resources will be limited to self-use trails in conjunction with strategically located interpretive panels and information leaflets.

8.3 Research

Scientific research by qualified individuals, contributing to the knowledge of natural and cultural history and to environmental management will be encouraged. All research projects will require the approval of Ontario Parks and must meet all requirements under applicable provincial and federal legislation. Approved research activities must be consistent with Ontario Parks' Research and Information Strategy.

9.0 Development policies

All development within the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve will occur in a low-impact and ecologically sustainable manner.

9.1 Trails

No new trails will be developed within the reserve. However, existing trails may be assessed and relocated if deemed necessary to maintain the ecological integrity of the Nature Reserve. Trail bridges or boardwalks will be installed at stream crossings.

9.2 Access

Parking and pedestrian access to the Morris Tract is possible off Londesboro Road (Huron County Road 31) where it intersects with Morris Tract Line (Concession 3). Parking is also available at the Falls Reserve Conservation Area, with pedestrian access via the Maitland Trail. Further study is warranted to determine the need for a parking facility and main entrance adjacent to Londesboro Road. If required to occur in the park, an amendment to this plan (with local consultation) will be processed.

9.3 Interpretive facilities

Interpretive facilities will be modest. Self-interpretive panels may be provided at strategic locations along the trails.

10.0 Implementation policies

The Morris Tract Nature Reserve will be managed by Ontario Parks in consultation with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Friends of the Morris Tract and other partners may play a role in trail maintenance and management of the property. Meetings with the partners may be held as required in order to discuss matters pertaining to the Morris Tract.

Implementation of the approved Park Management Plan shall occur in an ecologically sustainable manner. All the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR), Provincial Parks Act and other pertinent legislation will be met.

Implementation and/or site plans will precede any development or resource management initiatives with an appropriate level of public consultation. Development projects, resource management initiatives and preparation of implementation plans will be contingent upon the availability of funding and unforeseeable changes in priorities or policy.

Implementation priorities include:

• installation of fencing, barriers, gates and/or signs as required
• marking of existing trails and determining appropriate alignment of proposed trail development
• preparation and installation of interpretive panels
• consideration of a parking area adjacent to Londesboro Road
• amending the regulated park boundary to include the adjacent Crown land portion of the Maitland River; and
• securement and subsequent regulation of certain adjacent lands identified during the park management planning process

In accordance with the lease agreement between Ontario Parks and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Ontario Parks shall provide the NCC with an annual report pertaining to operation, development and management of the Nature Reserve.

11.0 Summary of public consultation

The securement of the Morris Tract as a Provincial Nature Reserve is largely due to a strong community initiative. The Friends of the Morris Tract and a number of community groups have been informal custodians of the property for some time. This knowledge, experience and appreciation for the site formed an integral part of the development of a Park Management Plan for the Morris Tract.

Public consultation has been an important part of the park management planning process. The four phases of the process consisted of:

• Phase 1 - Terms of Reference
• Phase 2 - Background Information
• Phase 3 - Preliminary Management Plan
• Phase 4 - Approved Park Management Plan

Phase 1 consisted of the preparation of Terms of Reference for the management planning process in the spring of 1998. An initial invitation to participate was mailed out to 70 local residents and stakeholders announcing the upcoming public consultation and planning process, and a public notice was posted on site. In addition, a policy proposal file was posted on the EBR Environmental Registry.

Phase 2 focused on providing an opportunity for interested groups and individuals to review relevant background information during the autumn of 1998. To initiate the 45 day review period, a notice was mailed to 70 local residents and stakeholders.

Phase 3 included the preparation, approval and publication of the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve Preliminary Management Plan during the spring of 1999. Copies of the document were mailed directly to 84 stakeholders, adjacent property owners and other interested individuals. A paid advertisement was placed in local newspapers and a media advisory was issued to invite written comments and advise of an open house. The open house was held at the old CPR Train Station in the town of Goderich on April 10, 1999, with an attendance of 33 persons. An updated policy proposal file was posted on the EBR Environmental Registry.

Phase 4 culminated with the release of the approved Morris Tract Park Management Plan in November 2001. Copies of the document were distributed to over 90 groups or individuals. A paid advertisement was placed in local newspapers and a policy decision notice was also posted on the EBR Environmental Registry.

The public was given a final opportunity to inspect the approved Management Plan for a period of 45 days after its formal release. This allowed interested participants in the planning program a final opportunity to determine if their concerns had been considered and addressed and to initiate an appeal concerning the plan’s content where appropriate.

The Management Plan for the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve may be reviewed or amended to address changing issues or conditions. A review may involve a reassessment of all or part of the plan, including classification, zoning, goal, objectives and all resource management, operations and development policies, while amendments may be considered to address specific issues or needs.

Ontario Parks will retain on file reference copies of relevant background information, Terms of Reference, Preliminary Management Plan, approved Park Management Plan, and any subsequent plan reviews or amendments.

12.0 References

Beecroft, Margaret S. W indings - A History of the Lower Maitland River. Maitland Valley Conservation Foundation and Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, 1984.

Belden & Company, H. Illustrated Historical Atlas of Huron County. (1972 reprint), 1879.

Bowles, Jane, Kirk, Donald, McLeod, Dave, and Lobb, Tom. A Life Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks, 1999.

Chapman, D.L. and Putnam, D.F. Physiography of Southern Ontario. 3^rd Edition. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Vol. 2, 1984.

Coleman, Thelma. The Canada Company. Stratford, County of Perth and Cummings Publishers, 1978.

Department of Energy and Resources Management. Maitland Valley Conservation Report, 1967.

Friends of the Morris Tract. "Morris Tract Opening", 1997.

Hazlitt, Shirley (editor). Colborne Connections - Pictoral History 1836-1986. Corporation of the Township of Colborne, Stan Brown Printers, Owen Sound, 1986.

Jin, Jisuo Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve Earth Science Checklist. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks, 1998.

Klinkenberg, R. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-1. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1984.

Larson, Dr. D.W. Age Characteristics of Thuja occidentalis on the Cliffs of the Morris Tract on the Maitland River. Cliff Ecology Research Group, University of Guelph, 1998.

Larson, B., Riley, J., Snell, E., and Godschalk, H. The W oodland Heritage of Southern Ontario: A Study of Ecological Change, Distribution and Significance. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills, 1999.

Lizars, Robina and MacFarlane, Kathleen. In the Days of the Canada Company. Toronto, William Briggs, 1896.

Nature Conservancy of Canada. "An Environmental Story". News Release for Thursday, June 5, 1997.

Oldham, M.J., Bowles, J., Lobb, T., Rezicek, A., and Kilgour, D. Field Trip Report, Maitland River, Huron County, Ontario. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Peterborough, (unpublished report), 1994.

Ontario Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation. Information package on archaeological survey results conducted in the vicinity of Morris Tract in 1961, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1987 by Kenyan and Fox, 1997.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Beyond 2000 – Ministry of Natural Resources Strategic Directions. Natural Resources Information Centre, Peterborough, 2000.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Environmental Assessment in Ontario Provincial Parks: An Interim Field Reference for Staff. Revised Edition. Corporate Policy and Planning Secretariat, 1994.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Environmental Bill of Rights Procedures Manual (Working Draft). Corporate Policy and Planning Secretariat, 1995.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve Preliminary Management Plan. Southwestern Zone, Ontario Parks, London, 1999.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks Management Planning Manual. Provincial Operations Branch, Peterborough, 1994.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies. Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, Toronto, 1978.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies, 1992 Update. Provincial Parks and Natural Heritage Policy Branch, Toronto, 1992.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Provincial Parks Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990.

Rayburn, Alan. Place Names of Ontario. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, 1997.

Stevens, Manuel B. The Canada Company and the Huron Tract 1827-1851. B.A. Thesis, Department of Geography, McMaster University, 1972.

Straughnan, Mrs. A.M. Recollections of Colborne Township 1967. Colborne Township Centennial Committee, 1967.

Tomkins, Darrell and Tuzi, Sandra. Sensitive Areas Report - Southwestern Region, SA 20 - Maitland River from Auburn to Mouth, 1976.

Trotter, Brian R. An Analysis of Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Wingham District. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1983.